The Little Colorado HMA encompasses 519,541 acres of BLM administered public lands. The majority of the HMA consists of consolidated public lands along with state school sections and, in the south of the HMA, Bureau of Reclamation lands. The HMA is bounded on the west by the Green River, on the east by Highway 191on the north by the Pinedale/Rock Springs Field Office boundary. The area is mostly rolling hills with significant canyons breaking up the area. Elevations range from approximately 6,300 to 7,900 feet, and precipitation ranges from 6-10 inches, predominately in the form of snow. The area is unfenced except for sections of the boundary fence between the Rock Springs and Pinedale Field Offices, and along Highway 191. The HMA is divided among Sublette, Lincoln, and Sweetwater counties.

The AML for this HMA is 100 horses. Most horses in this area are dark - bay, sorrel, brown, black or gray. The Wyoming horses have a diverse background of many domestic horse breeds. They are most closely related to North American gaited breeds such as Rocky Mountain Horse, American Saddlebred, Standardbred, and Morgan. The horses range from 14 to 15.5 hands and weigh between 750 and 1,100 pounds mature weight. The horse health is good with no apparent problems.

Domestic cattle and sheep utilize the area lightly in the summer and moderately in the winter. Vegetation in the HMA is dominated by sagebrush/grass, with saltbrush, winterfat, greasewood, and meadow species. Horses typically use a high amount of grass species, the most favorable being needlegrass, Indian ricegrass, wheatgrass, and sedges. The area supports significant wildlife populations including deer, antelope, and sage grouse.

How To Get There

We invite you to view wild horses; however, it is unlawful to chase and/or catch them. Please allow them to live a free and unmolested life.

The HMA is located north east of Farson, Wyoming. The area can be accessed from Rock Springs by going approximately 45 miles north on US 191. The Little Colorado HMA is on the west side of US 191 North for approximately 25-30 miles. For your information, domestic horses are authorized to graze on the east side of US 191 North. The Little Colorado HMA can also be seen by taking County Road #49 to the west. County Road #49 is approximately 2-3 miles north of Farson on the west side of US 191 North. County Road #49 is a highly traveled road by the Oil & Gas Industry. County Roads are typically improved gravel roads maintained at scheduled intervals.

Therefore road conditions vary from very good to rough and rutted from wet weather and possibly impassable. It is easy to determine if you are in wild horse country by identifying the large piles of horse manure (stud piles) along road sides. Maps that cover this area are available at the Rock Springs Field Office located at 280 US 191 North. A quick stop at the field office would allow you to check local conditions and obtain maps.

The map needed for this area is Farson. Before traveling to the area, make sure your vehicle is in good repair. If it has not stormed recently, you can make this trip in any full or mid-sized passenger vehicle, but a four wheel drive sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is recommended. Make sure your spare tire is usable and have drinking water and emergency supplies with you. This area is fairly isolated, and it could be some time before help could arrive. Do not attempt to make this trip during inclement weather. Be especially cautious when there is snow on the ground. Travel in the area is restricted to existing roads and trails. Cross-country travel is not allowed. Don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars.